Testimony - Rudi Lozsan
Some services we digress from having a sermon and share a testimony instead. Earlier this year,
former Darlington resident of 33 years, , told of God’s hand in his life, and shared an
amazing story that happened as a young child.
Rudi was born in 1938 in Budapest, Hungary. When he was 4, his father was conscripted into the
army to fight the Nazis, then 2 months later his mother died of diphtheria, so he was taken in by
friends of his mother. It was a time of hunger.
Meanwhile, Rudi’s father was taken prisoner of war, but escaped during relocation by feigning a call
of nature. He found refuge concealed in the basement of a farmhouse, where he did shoe repairs for
locals. It is unknown how his father made contact with a 17 year-old nephew, Rudi’s cousin, but the
cousin agreed to walk into Hungary (and probably swam the Danube) to bring Rudi and his mother
out, not knowing of her passing.
Astonishingly, his cousin found him, then walked and sometimes carried him for months over
700km, walking by night and living mostly on forest foods. Rudi wore shoes too small and an
oversized coat with this photo of his father, mother and himself sewn into its lining.
Just one of the life and death moments was crossing a bridge at night in West Germany. Partway
across, the bridge creaked which woke the guard, who jumped out and fired shots which whizzed
around their heads as they ran for their lives. How could the guard have missed? … but he did.
Maybe you would like to know how Rudi was reunited with his Dad, but I won’t spoil the story! You
can listen to it on the Darlington Christian Fellowship website for the 12 January 2025 (pardon some
sound issues and misplaced notes). Rudi told more of his story then concluded with a joyful
statement that those who trust in Christ share in: ‘What a wonderful Lord we have who lifted us out
of this world and welcomed us into His Kingdom.’
Sue Rhodes
